Breath was a gift from God. It was meant to be taken, at an appointed time, by God, Himself. Because the Image of God is in all, we ascribe deep value to our brothers and sisters of African descent and of American heritage. As an organization that serves African-American people, as well as people of all ethnicities, identities, and faith systems, we lift our voices in righteous indignation for the unjust killings of African-Americans by law enforcement officers and others. We remember the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, & Na’kia Crawford. 

Black Lives Matter. These, and far too many other black lives before them, have brought a movement to our collective doorsteps. We have been in this moment before, and have neglected to change as a people and nation. This is a singular and specific moment that we Americans cannot ignore.  South Street Ministries draws from a diverse and broad network of partners and supporters. To our white brothers and sisters, this is not a time for apathy. Our prayer is that Christ’s passion for justice will not allow any of us to absolve him or herself from this moment— the responsibility to grow. While some of you may feel uncomfortable with the possibility that your beliefs and traditions are being challenged, the movement toward equity and equality is an invitation into your own personal development, discipleship, and transformation. We recognize that the work of Christ’s Kingdom requires identifying and dismantling white supremacy from within our own lives, customs, and vocations. For every believer, this must become a desire and a deeply personal and communal pursuit.

There must be systemic change. At South Street Ministries we endeavor both to change lives individually, and to move towards systems and policies that breathe life into all, collectively. We believe in the Imago Dei — the image of God represented in all people. There is Kingdom value in all people, and we enact compassion in our ministry & interactions. 

From our lived experiences, we invite all of our partners, supporters and friends into a time of self-examination and growth.

Our offering to the cause of change is:

• Our continued work in serving South Street individuals and families
• To continue conversations and initiatives that support positive and reciprocal race relationships:
  • Follow South Street’s blogs with continued reflections from staff and leadership. 
  • Join a virtual conversation with South Street staff or join a book discussion. 
  • Reach out to us with questions.
• Pursue racially balanced representation in the decision-making places in our organization, community, city and state.
• To extend our hands to anyone who expresses a need